UTAR President and ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat led a university delegation on a working visit to Indonesia from 2 to 5 February 2026 to strengthen academic, research and industry collaborations with leading universities, organisations and government agencies.
The delegation comprised Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Dr Zuraidah binti Abd Manaf, Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Ir Prof Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and AAET Fellow Dr Fok Kuk Fai.
The visit commenced with a meeting at Bina Nusantara University (BINUS University), hosted by Rector Dr Nelly S. Kom. Both institutions explored multiple collaboration opportunities, including postgraduate pathways through microcredentials and credit transfer arrangements leading to dual master’s degree programmes. Discussions also covered potential joint research supervision, matching grants, and opportunities for UTAR Graduate Research Assistantships for BINUS students. Additional areas of collaboration included academic conference participation, student mobility initiatives such as exchange programmes, study tours and internships, as well as knowledge sharing on the establishment and operations of UTAR’s Confucius Institute.
Group photo after the visit to BINUS University
On the same day, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Fok visited the Chinese Indonesian Association (Perhimpunan Indonesia Tionghoa, INTI), where they were hosted by INTI President Teddy Sugianto and Secretary-General Candra Jap. The meeting focused on organising promotional and STEAM-related outreach programmes for Indonesian schools and the potential appointment of international student recruitment representatives.
Prof Dato’ Ewe (fourth from left) receiving a souvenir from Teddy Sugianto (third from right)
Prof Zuraidah, Prof Bernard Saw and Dr Lai, on the other hand, met with UI GreenMetric Chairman Dr Vishnu Juwono, who presented updates on sustainability ranking methodologies and consultancy services to support UTAR’s sustainability initiatives.
From left: Dr Lai, Dr Vishnu Juwono, Prof Zuraidah and Prof Bernard Saw
Later, the delegation attended a networking dinner with PT Bayan, hosted by Director Mr Lim Chai Hock and Director of Sales and Marketing Mr Low Yi Ngo. Discussions centred on internship opportunities for UTAR students and the introduction of Construction Management programmes via Open and Distance Learning mode for industry professionals.
UTAR delegation attending a networking dinner with representatives from PT Bayan
On 3 February 2026, the delegation met with Education Malaysia Indonesia (EMI) at the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta. The meeting, hosted by Education Minister at EMI Dr Hasnul Faizal Hushin Amri, explored UTAR’s participation in education fairs in Indonesia, inbound student mobility programmes, the potential establishment of a postgraduate learning centre in Indonesia, scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students, and strategies to strengthen student recruitment and promotional initiatives. The discussions also included visa-related matters and ways to enhance coordination between UTAR and recruitment agencies in Indonesia.
Group photo taken after the meeting at the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta
Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Lai and Dr Fok subsequently visited Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), hosted by Rector Dr Andrey Andoko. Both parties discussed collaboration in student mobility, joint academic projects, research supervision, and research collaborations, particularly in business, arts and communication fields. UMN’s strength in animation was identified as a key area for collaboration. The meeting also explored joint training programmes, which combined UMN undergraduate studies with UTAR’s master’s programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, including pathways linked to UTAR’s upcoming dual master’s degree collaboration with Purdue University.
Group photo taken during the visit to UMN
Meanwhile, Prof Zuraidah and Prof Bernard Saw visited Universitas Yarsi, where discussions focused on collaboration in bioinformatics and stem cell research, as well as postgraduate dual degree opportunities in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Prof Zuraidah (second from left) with Universitas Yarsi delegation
On 4 February 2026, the delegation visited Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), where they were received by Lippo Group owner Mr James Riady, UPH President Dr Stephanie Riady, and Rector Dr Jonathan L. Parapak. Discussions centred on potential collaborations in medical sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as collaborations involving UTAR Hospital.
Group photo with UPH representatives
The delegation also held discussions with the ASEAN Secretariat, hosted by Assistant Director and Head of the Science and Technology Division, Dr Zurina Moktar. Key discussions included collaboration between UTAR and the ASEAN Secretariat through the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) to promote STEM education across the region. The meeting also explored proposals for AAET’s involvement in ASEAN’s Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, regional expansion of science festivals, and collaboration with international engineering academies.
Group photo taken during the meeting with the ASEAN Secretariat
On 5 February 2026, the delegation met with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Airlangga Hartarto. The discussions focused on potential research collaborations and project proposals related to food security and renewable energy, particularly solar energy applications in rural areas, including floating solar panels and desalination projects. Opportunities to secure regional funding support were also explored.
Group photo taken during the meeting with Dr Airlangga Hartarto (fifth from left)
The visit concluded with a meeting at Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia (Indonesia Defence University, UNHAN RI), hosted by Rector Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Dr Anton Nugroho. Both institutions explored potential collaborations in engineering research and development, student conferences, and academic mobility programmes.
Group photo during the meeting with UNHAN RI representatives
The visit underscores UTAR’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships, strengthening regional academic and research networks, and enhancing opportunities for students, researchers and industry collaborations across Southeast Asia.
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